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Mary Berry Chicken Korma Recipe

Mary Berry Chicken Korma Recipe

Mary Berry's chicken korma is a mild, creamy, gently spiced curry — rich with almonds and coconut and perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 Portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: British
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 800 g boneless skinless chicken thighs chunked
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 2 large onions finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves crushed
  • 3 cm fresh ginger finely grated
  • 4 cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground white pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 300 ml chicken stock
  • 75 g ground almonds
  • 200 ml coconut cream
  • 150 ml double cream
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander and toasted flaked almonds to serve

Method
 

  1. Brown chicken in batches in hot oil — 3–4 minutes per batch. Set aside.
  2. Melt butter with remaining oil. Add cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves — 30 seconds. Add onions — cook over medium-low heat 15 minutes until golden and soft. Add garlic and ginger — 2 minutes.
  3. Add ground spices — 1–2 minutes. Add tomato purée — 1 minute.
  4. Add stock. Scrape base. Add ground almonds. Return chicken. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Add coconut cream, double cream, and sugar. Simmer uncovered 5–10 minutes until rich and slightly thickened. Remove whole spices. Season.
  6. Scatter fresh coriander and toasted almonds. Serve with rice and naan.

Notes

Cook onions for 15 minutes minimum — this is the foundation of the dish.
Brown chicken first — even in a mild curry this step adds significant flavour.
Use coconut cream not coconut milk for a richer, thicker sauce.
Toast the flaked almonds for the garnish — the difference is worth it.
The flavour improves overnight — make ahead if possible.
Stores in fridge 3 days. Freezes 3 months.
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